Coming back from attending a “great” weekend game, Emerald High School’s K.J. Chamberlain had a surprise waiting for him Monday: he made the Shrine Bowl roster.
On Saturday, the senior safety went on a visit to Appalachian State University, the school he committed to in mid-September. He watched the Mountaineers march on to a 31-13 win over the University of Wyoming.
Now, he adds another accomplishment to the list. Chamberlain was named to the South Carolina roster of the 79th Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas on Monday. The game will be played Dec. 19 at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg.
Chamberlain tuned in to the live stream on the Shrine Bowl website, hoping he would get this chance.
“When I found out I was on the roster, it was just a great feeling,” Chamberlain said. “Knowing that I can compete with all the talent.”
Chamberlain had 14 interceptions last season for an Emerald team that went 10-3 and advanced to the third round of the Class AAA state playoffs. The senior currently has two picks in 2015, snagging one in the each of the last two games. He also recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown in a win against Southside on Sept. 25.
Also playing on offense as a receiver, Chamberlain has three touchdown catches.
The safety said his visit to Boone, North Carolina, confirmed his commitment to Appalachian State.
“It was great seeing how they performed in the rain,” Chamberlain said. “Knowing how the atmosphere will be up there.
“It will be a great environment for me, and the crowd was just great, even though it was raining. I know I have a great future up there.”
Emerald coach Tim McMahon said it’s a great accomplishment for his secondary leader.
“I am happy for him, and I am happy for our football team,” McMahon said. “It is always nice to have a representative, particularly after last year that Gage (Cervenka) didn’t make it. We are excited about K.J.”
Chamberlain thinks quarterbacks are hesitant to throw the ball his direction after his explosive junior year. But with all the talent that will be on the field during the Shrine Bowl, Chamberlain knows they will have no choice. He said he wouldn’t mind ripping down a couple picks that day.
But right now, he’s focused on the season at hand and helping the Vikings replicate, and extend, last season’s playoff run.
“It gives me even more motivation, me and the team, knowing how last season went,” Chamberlain said. “I think this season will be the same as last year, and hopefully we’ll go to state.”
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